Multi-Compartment Liquid Transfer Unit

ABSTRACT

The invention is based on using existing approved tanks and shipping containers for transportation of liquids. It is a combination rotomolded plastic tanks customized for industrial, petrochemical and agricultural applications placed in a secured standard shipping container (20′/40′/53′). As well as custom outfitted with inlets and outlet for top and side filling and extraction from the bottom side. The tanks are equipped to be bolted on the floor or braced from the sides of the container. Each tank is elliptically shaped outfitted with four legs for stability. The top center of the tank has an inlet which also functions as ventilation for the tank. The inlets are custom made to ensure easy access for top loading and side loading purposes. The extraction will be from the bottom of the tank and run to the exit access doors to the side of the container.

This invention provides an alternative for moving bulk liquids withexisting approved transport tanks and shipping containers allowingmovement by most modes of transportation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many existing forms of moving bulk liquids. Some examples arebulk truck tankers, rail cars, ISO tanks, and flexi-bags. Similardesigns are captured in the following United States patents:

6,012,598 Antoniou 6,015,055 Bonerb 7,624,885 B2 Pfau 8,162,164 B2 Podd8,708,626 B2 Bennetto 2012/0138630 A1 Kinsey, III

Although these are currently being used there is always a need forimprovement and versatility. The Multi-Compartment Liquid Transferinvention can satisfy most modes of transportation except for air.

Below are some disadvantages of the existing options currently beingused in the market. This invention aims to fulfill all these areas ofconcern.

ISO Tanks Not compartmentalized. Bulk Cannot move via rail/ocean.Tankers Rail Cars Only services customers who have access to rail andcannot move by ocean. Flexi-Bags Sized only for 20′ containers and thebag's integrity can be compromised.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Multi-Compartment Liquid Transfer invention is primarily plastictanks in a shipping container with the capacity to fill liquids from thetop, bottom and side of the tank/container. Along with extracting theliquids from the bottom of the tank/container. The tanks will be securedinside of the container and the container top, as well as, side andbottom side being outfitted with hatches for inlets and outlets. Due tothe tanks being plastics and lightweight, load capacity and volumes canmaximized for freight being shipped.

DRAWING DETAILS

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional drawing of one (1) of the tanks and itsrespective connections housed inside of a standard shipping container;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the tanks and the piping for inlets and outlets;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the tanks housed in a shipping container withemphasis on the extraction points;

FIG. 4 is the front view of the tank housed inside of the shippingcontainer; and

FIG. 5 is the three-dimensional snapshot of the rear of the containerwith ladder access to the top and a collapsible rail for safe operationsand usage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Multi-Compartment Liquid Transfer invention compromises of astandard shipping container specially outfitted with multiplepolyurethane/plastic tanks. Additionally, it is customized with inletsand outlets to fill, move and extract bulk liquids. This exampleillustrates three tanks housed in a 40′ shipping container:

FIG. 1—1 illustrates the top-loading inlet;

FIG. 1—2 is the side top-loading inlet;

FIG. 1—3 is the side inlet pipe connection which connects to the sidetop load inlet;

FIG. 1—4 is the slide inlet pipe connection which connects to the secondtank's top load inlet;

FIG. 1—5 is the slide inlet pipe connection which connects to the thirdtank's top load inlet;

FIG. 1—6 is the bottom extraction port connected an extraction pipe;

FIG. 1—7 is the bottom outlet pipe connection which connects to anextraction hose;

FIG. 1—8 is the bottom outlet pipe connection which connects to anextraction hose for the second tank;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the tanks and the piping for inlets and outlets;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the tanks housed in a shipping container withemphasis on the extraction points;

FIG. 4 is the front view of the tank housed inside of the shippingcontainer;

FIG. 5—1 shows the collapsible rail for operator safety; and

FIG. 5—2 is a ladder which gives access to the top of the container.

1. Multiple modes of transportation—this invention can be used in mostmodes of transportation, such as road, intermodal rail, and ocean. 2.Multiple options for loading (top, side, bottom)—it offers top, side andbottom loading of liquids which can be used for a variety ofnon-corrosive liquids.
 3. Tanks can accommodate a wide variety ofliquids—this is designed only for the movements of non-corrosiveliquids.